Modal auxiliaries & Modal Verbs

A modal is a type of  auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express: ability,

possibility, permission or obligation. Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are
used to express the same things as modals, but are a combination of
auxiliary verbs and the preposition to. The modals and semi-modals in
English are:
1. Can/could/be able to
2. May/might

3. Shall/should

4. Must/have to

5. Will/would

The principal English modal verbs are can, could, may, might, shall,
should, will, would, and must. Certain other verbs are sometimes
classed as modals; these include ought, had better, and (in certain uses)
dare and need.
Ought to V/s must
Ought to is mainly used when we talk of a moral obligation or duty. Must is
used to express the 'need of the hour' or necessity, which has to be done. 
May V/s Might
Use may for present tense, and might for past perfect tense.
May expresses a high possibility of something happening, whereas might
hints that it might not happen. Both may and might can be used to ask for
permission, but use may when giving permission. May expresses likelihood
while might expresses a stronger sense of doubt or a contrary-to-fact
hypothetical. We use might when we are not sure about something in the
present or future: I might see you tomorrow.
"May" is a modal verb most commonly used to express possibility. It can
also be used to give or request permission, although this usage is
becoming less common.
Examples:
I might be a few minutes late.
She said that it might be true.
Comparison Chart: Should/ ought to / Must

BASIS FOR
SHOULD OUGHT TO MUST
COMPARISON

Meaning Should refers to a person's Ought to is mainly Must is used to

duties and responsibilities. used when we talk of express the 'need of
It also signifies the best a moral obligation or the hour' or
thing to do in a case. duty. necessity, which has
to be done.

Nature Informal Formal Legal

Degree of Less Comparatively High Highest

Emphasis

Examples Do you think I should go We ought to book our You must follow the
for the interview? railway tickets. steps properly to get
the desired outcome.

You should call your She ought to tell the We must pursue our
father, before its too late. facts. dreams.

It should not be done. They ought not to You must take care
come my home at this of your belongings.
time.
The modal verb CAN shows that something is possible, allowed or
somebody/something has the ability to do something. COULD is used as the past
tense of can, or to talk about ability that was possible in the past. MAY and MIGHT
are used to show that something is possible. MUST shows that something is
necessary.
Examples

Should

 I think you should consult a doctor.

 She should have appeared for the Civil Services exam.
 You should carry an umbrella, it may rain today.

Ought to

 You ought to follow the traffic rules.

 We ought to complete the target before the month ends.
 The Judge ought to give a fair decision.

Must

 One must not cheat in exams.

 Riya must be having lunch at school.
 You must reach the station on time.
Long and contracted forms of modals

Affirmative Negative

Long forms Contracted forms Long forms Contracted forms

can -- cannot can't

could -- could not couldn't

may -- may not --

might -- might not --

ought to -- ought not to oughtn't to

need -- need not needn't

shall 'll shall not shan't

should 'd should not shouldn't

will 'll will not won't

would 'd would not wouldn't

Can, Could, Be Able To
Can, could and be able to are used to express a variety of ideas in English:

Ability/Lack of Ability

Present and Future:

can/can’t + base form of the verb

1. Tom can write poetry very well.

2. I can help you with that next week.

3. Lisa can’t speak French.

am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb
am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + able to + base form of the verb
1. Mike is able to solve complicated math equations

2. The support team will be able to help you in about ten minutes.

3. I won’t be able to visit you next summer.

Past:
could / couldn’t + base form of the verb

1. When I was a child I could climb trees.

was / were + able to + base form of the verb
wasn’t / weren’t + able to + base form of the verb
hasn’t / haven’t + been able to + base form of the verb
1. I wasn’t able to visit her in the hospital.

2. He hasn’t been able to get in touch with the client yet.

Note: Can and could do not take an infinitive (to verb) and do not take the future
auxiliary will.
 Incorrect: I can to help you this afternoon.
 Correct: I can help you this afternoon.
 Correct: I will (I’ll) be able to help you this afternoon.
Possibility / Impossibility
can / can’t + base form of the verb

1. You can catch that train at 10:43.

2. He can’t see you right now. He’s in surgery.

could + base form of the verb

1. I could fly via Amsterdam if I leave the day before.

Ask Permission / Give Permission

Can + Subject + base form of the verb (informal)

1. Can you lend me ten dollars?

Can + base form of the verb (informal)

1. You can borrow my car.

Could + subject + base form of the verb (polite)

1. Could I have your number?

2. Could I talk to your supervisor please?

Make a suggestion – To make a suggestion use:

Could + base form of the verb (informal)

1. You could take the tour of the castle tomorrow.

Exercises: Can, Could, Be able to
Fill in the correct form of can, could or be able to as in the examples.

1. Ben could not help his little brother with his homework yesterday.

2. Can I call you later tonight?

1. _______ Tony run long distances when he was a boy?

2. ______ you please call a tow truck for me? My car broke down. (polite)

3. The students _______ to buy their textbooks today. The bookstore is all out of them.

4. ______ you teach me how to fix my computer? You’re so good at it.

5. ______ you ______ reach the customer if you call him at 4:00 this time?

Answers:

1. Could

2. Could

3. aren’t able

4. Can

5. Will/be able to
May, Might
Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition
may / may not + base form of the verb

1. You may start your exam now.

2. You may not wear sandals to work.

Polite Request
May + subject + base form of the verb

1. May I help you?

Possibility / Negative Possibility

may/ might + base form of the verb

1. We may go out for dinner tonight. Do you want to join us?

2. Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price.

may not / might not + base form of the verb

1. Adam and Sue may not buy that house. It’s very expensive.

2. They might not buy a house at all.

To Make a Suggestion (when there is no better alternative)

may as well / might as well + base form of the verb

1. You may as well come inside. John will be home soon.

2. We might as well take Friday off. There’s no work to be done anyway.

Polite Suggestion
might + base form of the verb

1. You might like to try the salmon fillet. It’s our special today.

Exercises: May / Might
Fill in the correct form of may or might as in the example.

1. May I sit here?

1. They ______ finish the project on time. The main engineer is ill.

2. You _____ want to stop by the museum gift shop on your way out.

3. _____ I have your autograph?

4. He _______ visit the Louvre. He’s in Paris anyway.

5. You ______ park your car here. It’s reserved for guests of the hotel only.

Answers:

1. might not

2. might

3. May

4. may as well

5. may not
Shall, Should, Ought to
To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are quite
sure of a positive answer)
Shall + subject + base form of the verb

1. Shall we go for a walk?
Note: Shall is only used with I or we. It is used instead of will only in formal English.

To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are not sure

of a positive answer)
Should + subject + base form of the verb

1. Should I call a doctor?

A Prediction or Expectation that Something Will Happen

should/shouldn’t + base form of the verb

1. The proposal should be finished on time.

2. I shouldn’t be late. The train usually arrives on time.

To Give Advice
should / ought to + base form of the verb

1. You should check that document before you send it out.

2. You ought to have your car serviced before the winter.

To Give Advice (about something you think wrong or unacceptable)

shouldn’t + base form of the verb

1. James shouldn’t teach him words like those.

Exercises: Should, Shouldn’t, Ought To
Fill in should, shouldn’t or ought in the following sentences as in the example.

1. He shouldn’t encourage such bad behavior.

1. You _____ get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

2. The house ______ be ready to move into by next month. It’s almost finished.

3. Ron ________ to improve his attitude. If he doesn’t, he might get fired.

4. ________ I get your jacket? It’s cold in here.

5. You ________ put your feet on the table. It’s not polite.

Answers:

1. should

2. should

3. ought

4. should

5. shouldn’t
Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t have to, Needn’t
Necessity or Requirement

Present and Future:

must / have to / need to + base form of the verb

1. You must have a passport to cross the border.

2. Elisabeth has to apply for her visa by March 10th.

3. I need to drop by his room to pick up a book.

Past:
had to / needed to + base form of the verb

1. I had to work late last night.

2. I needed to drink a few cups of coffee in order to stay awake.

Note: have to and need to are often used in the same context, but many times, need
to is used to express something that is less urgent, something in which you have a
choice.

Almost 100% Certain

must + base form of the verb

1. Thomas has lived in Paris for years. His French must be very good.

To Persuade
must / have to + base form of the verb

1. You must try this wine. It’s excellent.

2. You have to visit us while you’re in town.

Prohibited or Forbidden
must not / mustn’t + base form of the verb

1. You must not drive over the speed limit.

2. You mustn’t leave medicines where children can get to them.

Lack of Necessity
don’t /doesn’t /didn’t + have to + base form of the verb

1. You don’t have to park the car. The hotel valet will do it for you.

2. Tim doesn’t have to go to school today. It’s a holiday.

3. You didn’t have to shout. Everyone could hear you.

needn’t + base form of the verb

1. You needn’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.

Exercises: Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t Have to,
Needn’t
Fill in the blanks with one of these modals:
must, must not, have to, has to, don’t have to, doesn’t have to, needn’t as in the
examples.
There may be more than one correct answer.
1. Shira doesn’t have to drive to the airport. She’s going by taxi.

2. You must speak politely to the customers.

1. You ______ tell Anna about the party tomorrow night. It’s a surprise! (must not, need

to, doesn’t have to)

2. Tina _______ register for her classes on Monday, otherwise she won’t get a place in

them. (doesn’t have to, mustn’t, has to)

3. You ________ send that fax. I’ve already sent it. (must, will have to, don’t have to)

4. A dog ______ get special training in order to be a guide dog. (must, need to, don’t

have to)

5. Jeremy _______ get up early tomorrow. His class was cancelled. (mustn’t, doesn’t

have to, don’t need to)

Answers:

1. must not

2. has to

3. don’t have to

4. must

5. doesn’t have to
Modals: Will / Would
will / won’t + base form of the verb
1. John will pick you up at 7:00am.
2. Beth won’t be happy with the results of the exam.

Polite Request or Statement

Will / Would + base form of the verb

1. Will you please take the trash out?

2. Would you mind if I sat here?

3. I’d (I would) like to sign up for your workshop.

Habitual Past Action

Would/Wouldn’t + base form of the verb

1. When I was a child, I would spend hours playing with my train set.

2. Peter wouldn’t eat broccoli when he was a kid. He loves it now.

Exercises: will, would
Fill in the blanks with one of the following words: will, won’t, would, wouldn’t.

1. Will you please help me lift this box?

1. I ______ like to order the onion soup please.

2. The manager _______ be pleased to hear that a customer slipped on the wet floor.

3. _______ it be okay if I sleep here tonight?

4. When Igor lived in Russia, he ________ call his mother as often as he does now.

5. I can assure you sir, the order ______ be shipped out tonight.

Answers:

1. would

2. won’t

3. will

4. wouldn’t

5. will
Exercises – All Modals
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the following modals:
can, could, be able to, may, might, shall, should, must, have to, don’t have to, need
to
– You may have to make the modals negative according to the context of the
sentence.
– There may be more than one possibility.
1. He has to take his car to be serviced. The brakes are squeaking.

2. Would you please save me a seat at the dinner event.

1. If you are sick, you ________ go to work. You’ll infect everyone there.

2. Drivers _______ stop at red lights.

3. You _______ finish the proposal today. You can finish it tomorrow.

4. She ______ hear much better with her new hearing aids.

5. ______ I order us a bottle of wine?

6. Sam ______ pick his daughter up from school. She’s taking the bus home.

7. You _____________ smoke here. It’s a smoke-free building.

8. You ________ eat so many sweets. They are bad for you.

9. _________ you mind walking a little faster? We’re going to be late.

10. I’m sorry. I _______ help you. I don’t know how to do it.

Answers:

1. shouldn’t

2. must

3. don’t have to

4. can

5. shall

6. needn’t

7. mustn’t

8. shouldn’t

9. would

10. can’t
Fill in the blanks with the correct modals

Exercise 1

1. I __ arrange the flowers for the bouquet. (may/can)

2. __ I borrow this pen from you? (may/might)
3. The teacher __ ask you to bring the homework. (might/can)
4. According to the weather forecast, it ___ snow heavily tomorrow. (may/shall)
5. Raj hasn’t studied well. He __ fail his exam. (might/shall)
6. You __ follow the traffic rules. (may/must)
7. It __ be difficult to live amidst war. (should/must)
8. My mother __ scold me if I don’t go back on time. (will/may)
9. We ___ take care of our parents. (ought to/ could)
10. I __ visit the local grocery store soon. (shall/can)
11. You ___ be punctual. (should/ought)
12. One __ repay all their debts. (must/ought to)
13. __ you show me the road to the market? (could/might)
14. The child __ be taken to hospital immediately. (must/might)
15. ___ you have hot chocolate? (shall/will)

Answers for Exercise 1

1. Can
2. May
3. Might
4. May
5. Might
6. Must
7. Must
8. Will
9. Ought to
10. Shall
11. Should
12. Ought to
13. Could
14. Must
15. Will
Exercise 2 – Identify the modal verb in the following sentences

1. My teacher _____ (can/must) speak four languages.

2. (May/should) ______ I use your mobile to call my mother?
3. You _______ (must/could) not speak loudly in the hospital.
4. I ______ (could/must) use a little help in packing all these clothes.
5. Madam _______ (could/may) you repeat what you said?
6. I (can/might) _______ not be able to make it tonight.
7. Sheldon ______ (ought to/must) study more if he wants to pass the test.
8. _____ (Can/May) you come to the prom with me?
9. My parents _____ (shall/ought to) arrive soon.
10. I ______ (could/must) be late as I have a lot on my plate.
11. Leonard _______ (can/may) easily solve the problem.
12. It ______ (might/should) rain tomorrow.
13. ______ (May/might) all your wishes come true in life.
14. I ______ (could/might) not be more happier!

Answers for Exercise 2

1. Can
2. May
3. Must
4. Could
5. Could
6. Might
7. Must
8. Can
9. Shall
10. Could
11. Can
12. Might
13. May
14. Could